[Enzo_Guy]

When tax return time hits I'm going to be looking for a new vehicle. Preferably looking for something reliable, which is why I'm leaning towards diesel. My luck with trucks isn't the best. As an example, I managed to grenade the 5-speed manual transmission in a Ford Ranger with only 108K miles.

So I have been checking out diesel trucks, I'm thinking somewhere in the '98-'03 range. I have been reading comparisons and checking out the offerings from all the manufacturers. A 3/4-ton would suit my needs, I do haul a single car trailer around occasionally and I do fill the bed of my truck sometimes but I don't need a 1-ton dually or any such nonsense. It would be overkill.

Dodge:
Cummins makes a hell of a motor. But the front suspension and transmission make you think that the engineers had penises in their ears when designed them. Not to mention the interior looks like it was shit on by a martian. Dodge is out. Completely. Don't mention it.

Ford:
The 7.3L was the king of the hill when it was being made. I would need a stick, no other way to drive an engine that big. I remember I loved the interior and road feel of my '99 Expedition (even though it was a little twitchy with the steering, it handled the parking lot like a champ). As far as the ergonomic package I have always liked Ford and their engine was pretty good.

Chevy:
The only diesel I could stomach driving with an automatic would be one hooked to an Allison. If I could get one with a Duramax/Allison combo I wouldn't complain at all, but I hear the early Duramax engines had some injector problems. That and after driving a Chevy truck around a good bit the steering feel is numb at best and the seats make my back feel 15 years older, but the truck I've driven is a 1500 so maybe the 2500 trucks are different. And the interior is hideous. But the Duramax is one hell of an engine, the Allison is a great transmission, and the styling of the truck is nice.

[walt1120]

Yeah if your gonna go ford, stick with the 7.3l...6.0's are just trouble from what i know.

i think either is gonna be great, it depends more on which one you find a better deal on imo.

[White99stang]

i gotta mention dodge cause i have one haha, its a good truck with a great motor. Put over 100k miles on mine in less than 2 years

[Imran]

we have a 7.3 E350

watch out for the steering racks. We've also had problems with the flywheel and starter. Not sure if the latter 2 are normal problems or not, but i'll put it out there.

other than that it's running awesome.